Apple kicks off fall with iPod, Apple TV overhauls

As part of that rental model, Apple will offer movie rentals for $5 and TV show rentals for $1 from its iTunes Store. Netflix subscribers will abe able to access the Netflix streaming library on their Apple TV.

The revamped Apple TV costs $99 and is set to ship in four weeks.

The other big announcement to come out of Wednesday's press event was an update to iTunes, Apple's music jukebox and media management software. iTunes 10 features Ping, described by Jobs as "Facebook and Twitter meet iTunes." The social networking component lets iTunes users follow their favorite artists, who can interact with users via pages on the iTunes Store. Users can also see what friends are buying, listening to, or watching via Ping.

While iPods took much of the focus on Wednesday, Apple had some news for iPhone and iPad users. The company previewed iOS 4.1, an update aimed at iPhone and iPod touch users that introduces several new features while also fixing several bugs that have dogged the mobile operating system since its June release.

In addition, Apple previewed iOS 4.2, an update for all its iOS devices including the iPad. It will ship in November and give the iPad wireless printing capabilities, among other features.

iOS 4.1 introduces Game Center, a feature first previewed when Apple took the wraps off its iOS 4 update in the spring. Game Center is both a set of APIs for developers and an app on the iPhone. It allows developers to better implement multiplayer into their games while iPhone- and iPod touch-toting gamers will be able to more easily challenge friend to games.